Why are Robert Heneghan’s videos featuring Luke Littler drawing attention from racing authorities?

Irish betting tipster Robert Heneghan is facing fresh questions after racing authorities said he did not have permission to film promotional content at major race meetings, including Cheltenham and Aintree. The issue has drawn attention from g*mbling charities, parents, and racing officials who are worried about the messages being sent to young audiences through his social media content. Heneghan, who runs Pro Sports Advice (PSA), has built a huge online following by posting videos that show large betting stakes, luxury travel, and expensive lifestyles. Daily Mail Sport reported that some parents and g*mbling groups believe the content could make g*mbling appear like an easy path to wealth, especially for younger viewers.The discussion has also expanded to videos featuring 19-year-old darts world champion Luke Littler. While there is no suggestion that Littler did anything wrong, his appearance alongside Heneghan has raised questions because UK g*mbling advertising rules restrict the use of people who are under 25, or appear to be under 25, in significant g*mbling promotions.

Luke Littler videos and Robert Heneghan’s racecourse content draw attention from g*mbling charities and officials

The Jockey Club confirmed that neither Robert Heneghan nor Pro Sports Advice received accreditation to film commercial content at Cheltenham Racecourse. A spokesperson said a filming crew connected to PSA was refused entry when it attempted to bring professional equipment into the venue during the Cheltenham Festival in March.The spokesperson told Daily Mail Sport: “Any such request for filming of this type would be declined. We are committed to promoting g*mbling in a responsible and regulated way, working with our licensed bookmaker partners to support safer g*mbling and protecting the long-term integrity of the sport.”Despite those restrictions, racecourses face challenges because high-quality videos can now be recorded on mobile phones by large crowds attending major events.One widely shared video showed Luke Littler celebrating with Heneghan after The Mourne Rambler won a race. In the clip, Heneghan tells viewers: “Eleven years I’ve been doing this professionally and you’re still not following me?”Another PSA video featured Luke Littler and fellow darts star Luke Humphries selecting horses for £1,000 bets, with any winnings intended for charity.A spokesperson for Luke Littler told Daily Mail Sport: “For the avoidance of doubt, Luke has no business association or promotional relationship with Pro Sports Advice or Robert Heneghan.”The Advertising Standards Authority has been made aware of Littler’s appearances in the videos. The regulator has previously ruled against g*mbling-related social media posts that featured people under the age of 25.Meanwhile, Cheltenham Racecourse chief executive Guy Lavender said concerns about g*mbling promotion are being taken seriously. In a letter seen by Daily Mail Sport, he wrote: “On the wider issue of g*mbling promotion, particularly involving younger individuals, we share your concern. This is an area we treat with the utmost seriousness.”Heneghan has not publicly responded to the latest questions. According to Daily Mail Sport, multiple requests for comment received no reply.